The next step

The inspectors’ guide for the campaign

[Document]

Dust

[Safety briefing]

The HSE’s COSHH essentials for woodworking

[Weblink]

HSE focused on wood dust

Major danger

The HSE says that it’s found it difficult to get leverage within the woodworking sector as there are an estimated 238,000 carpenters and joiners, 75% of whom are working in micro businesses, i.e. those with fewer than ten employees. They also tend not to be members of national trade associations. However, although they are hard to reach with the HSE’s limited resources, these businesses are a high priority when targeting the health message. Those in the trade are four times more likely to develop asthma than other workers and are also at risk from nasal cancer from inhalation of hardwood dust . The risks arise not only from machining but also from cleaning up.

Tip. For some years the HSE has campaigned for an end to unsafe methods of cleaning which propel wood dust into the air. Never allow staff to dry sweep or, worse still, use compressed air to clean clothing or surfaces. Instead provide good quality industrial vacuum cleaners and insist on their use.

Tip. Another problem the HSE highlights is that although wood dust can be well controlled with extraction equipment positioned close to the workpiece, in practice it’s often badly designed, poorly maintained or not operated correctly. Ensure that your machines have extraction equipment which is effective at removing and containing wood dust .

Inspections

Inspectors are visiting woodworking premises throughout the remainder of the year 2021/2022, but they are not just picking sites at random (see The next step ). Instead they’ll be going to businesses that have been previously targeted with HSE advice. On this basis, the briefing to its own inspectors states: “We should expect the risks will be adequately controlled and properly managed” . Warning. This somewhat sets the scene on how tolerant you can expect inspectors to be if your arrangements are well below par.

Tip. Now would be a good time to get your workplace in order. To understand the detail of what’s needed, read the COSHH essentials sheets which inspectors will also be referring to (see The next step ).

Tip. Ensure that workers know the risks of dust and how to protect themselves (see The next step ).

What will they ask?

The focus will be on effective management of wood dust. If there’s evidence that the hazard is under poor control, inspectors will be checking on underlying causes such as a lack of staff training, no access to competent health and safety advice, inadequate monitoring or supervision. At each premises they will review: (1) what processes give rise to wood dust; (2) the control measures which are in place; (3) weaknesses in the control measures; (4) management failings, e.g. policy, risk assessment, training, supervision, leadership; (5) enforcement action which has been taken, or is required; (6) good practices. The particular focus will be wood dust exposure but other matters of evident concern will be raised, e.g. machinery safety, workplace transport, work at height

For a copy of the inspectors’ guide for the campaign, a link to the HSE’s COSHH essentials for woodworking and for a safety briefing - dust, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 20, issue 05.